08 May 2025
Men diagnosed with prostate cancer across the Darling Downs region will have access to greater support, thanks to the introduction of the region’s second Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse.
The new Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) Specialist Nurse position has been made possible by funding from It’s A Bloke Thing Foundation.
The position has been filled by Tegan Peter, who said she was thrilled to join the team and ensure that local men and families had access to greater support.
“I’m very interested in men’s health and value and appreciate the opportunity to work closely with patients and their families along the stages of their cancer journey,” Ms Peter said.
“I’m looking forward to supporting new patients and families and making a real impact in their lives. I’m here to provide them with time and availability to speak about their concerns and look for ways to assist in these areas.”
The position has been filled by Tegan Peter, who said she was thrilled to join the team and ensure that local men and families had access to greater support.
“I’m very interested in men’s health and value and appreciate the opportunity to work closely with patients and their families along the stages of their cancer journey,” Ms Peter said.
“I’m looking forward to supporting new patients and families and making a real impact in their lives. I’m here to provide them with time and availability to speak about their concerns and look for ways to assist in these areas.”
Ms Peter thanked It’s A Bloke Thing for making the role possible.
“We are incredibly grateful to It’s A Bloke Thing Foundation for raising funds and helping to ensure that men and their families receive the support they require during their prostate cancer journey without the need to travel long distances,” she said.
Across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs region over 3,000 men are living with prostate cancer and around 260 men will be newly diagnosed each year.
It’s A Bloke Thing Chairman Jack Wagner said improving access to local support was key to improving the quality of life for men diagnosed with prostate cancer in our community.
“Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer across Australia with a lack of sufficient nurse support across regional Australia, as it was here previously in Toowoomba,” Mr Wagner said.
“Every year, thanks to the generosity of our local community and incredible sponsors, who return year after year, we raise more than $1 million through the It’s A Bloke Thing Luncheon.
“Our intention, since our formation over 14 years ago, was that funds would support those within the community battling this insidious disease. This nurse position delivers on a pledge we made in 2022, and we’re incredibly proud to see another specialist role created to support local men and their families.
“Our partnership with PCFA is a clear demonstration that by working together and having community and sponsors join us on that journey we can drive better health outcomes.
“Importantly, our region covers a lot of ground. We hope that this announcement boosts awareness of prostate cancer and encourages more men to speak to their GP about being tested. Knowing your PSA number could save your life”.
All men diagnosed with prostate cancer who live in the region are eligible to access support from the Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Service, regardless of where their treatment is taking place.
PCFA CEO Anne Savage said hundreds of men in the area would benefit from the boost in funding and support.
“We are extremely proud of our partnership with It’s A Bloke Thing Foundation and the massive difference it continues to make,” Ms Savage said.
“About one in five men with prostate cancer experience long-term anxiety and depression and many will struggle to cope with the challenges of diagnosis and treatment. Specialist nurses play a critical role in providing guidance, care and support.
“From the point of diagnosis, our nurses offer expert education and information about treatment plans, referrals to services in the hospital and community, and provide an ongoing point of contact and support for men and families.”
Ms Savage said men with a family history of prostate cancer have double the risk of being diagnosed, and those with two of more relatives diagnosed, have a five-fold increased risk of developing the disease.
“We also know that only around 15 per cent of all prostate cancers diagnosed in the region are diagnosed at stage one when the disease is easiest to treat,” she said.
“Having a specialist nurse on the ground in this area will ensure local men continue to be supported and have the best chance of beating this disease.”
For more information about PCFA and prostate cancer, visit www.pcfa.org.au or phone 1800 22 00 99 to connect with a Specialist Nurse.
image above from left to right: It’s A Bloke Thing General Manager Mick Dwane, Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse Tegan Peter, and It’s A Bloke Thing Co-Chair Emma Wagner.
